E464: Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose
Main role: binding and thickening
Also listed as: HPMC, hypromellose
What is E464 (Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose)?
Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose combines two types of substitution on cellulose. It is used to manage viscosity, bind ingredients, and form films. Its practical properties depend on the specific grade and recipe conditions.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is binding and thickening. Texture ingredients help a recipe control thickness, binding, or separation. Their behavior depends on temperature, acidity, concentration, and other ingredients; two thickeners with similar names may not perform identically.
Food and formulation examples
- Gluten-free bread
- Plant-based foods
- Supplement capsule shells
These examples describe formulation roles, not a list of unrestricted legal uses. Availability and permitted applications differ by country and food category.
Label names and ingredient questions
Look for E464, E 464, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include HPMC, hypromellose. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
HPMC can help gluten-free dough retain structure, but its presence does not certify a product as gluten-free. Capsule-shell ingredients should be checked separately from the capsule contents.
Is E464 safe?
EFSA’s 2018 cellulose assessment found no concern for the reported food uses and use levels evaluated. EFSA celluloses re-evaluation (2018).
A label identifies the ingredient but usually not its concentration. Calculating daily intake requires the amount in the food and the quantities eaten.
Authorization and conditions of use
The Great Britain food additive register lists E464 as Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose. This is an entry subject to its stated conditions, not unrestricted permission for every food. The record links to the applicable authorization terms. For an EU product, use the European Commission food additive database to check the relevant food category and limits. Other countries may use different names or rules.